A smartphone’s camera is a top priority for many buyers. While some users focus on battery life or processing power, others want the best camera experience. Smartphone brands continue to push the limits of photography. But which phones take the best photos right now?
Top Smartphone Cameras of March 2025: Huawei Outscores Galaxy S25 Ultra
DxOMark, a leading camera testing firm, has ranked the best smartphone cameras. Huawei leads the list despite facing U.S. restrictions since 2019. The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra takes the top spot with an impressive 163 points. It excels in photography, zoom, and video performance.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL follows closely with 158 points. Google’s AI-powered image processing continues to impress.
A surprising entry is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It features strong camera hardware but scored 146 points, placing it at 24th place. This is unexpected for a Samsung flagship device.
Best Smartphone Cameras (March 2025 Rankings)
| Rank | Phone Model | Camera Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | 163 |
| 2 | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | 158 |
| 3 | Honor Magic6 Pro | 158 |
| 4 | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | 157 |
| 5 | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | 157 |
| 6 | Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ | 157 |
| 7 | Oppo Find X8 Pro | 157 |
| 8 | Oppo Find X7 Ultra | 157 |
| 9 | Huawei P60 Pro | 156 |
| 10 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | 154 |
| 11 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | 154 |
| 12 | Google Pixel 9 | 154 |
| 13 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | 153 |
| 14 | Oppo Find X6 Pro | 153 |
| 15 | Honor Magic5 Pro | 152 |
| 16 | Oppo Find X6 | 150 |
| 17 | Vivo X100 Pro | 150 |
| 18 | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | 149 |
| 19 | Xiaomi 14 Ultra | 149 |
| 20 | Google Pixel 8 | 148 |
| 21 | Apple iPhone 16 | 147 |
| 22 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | 147 |
| 23 | Honor Magic4 Ultimate | 147 |
| 24 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | 146 |
| 25 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro | 146 |
| 26 | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | 146 |
| 27 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | 146 |
| 28 | Apple iPhone 15 | 145 |
| 29 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | 145 |
| 30 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 144 |
What Makes a Smartphone Camera Great?
Several key factors define a great smartphone camera:
- Sensor Size: Larger sensors capture more light for clearer photos.
- AI and Software Processing: AI enhances sharpness, color, and details.
- Optical Zoom: Periscope lenses allow better zoom without quality loss.
- Video Features: 8K recording, stabilization, and HDR improve video quality.
- Post-Processing: Brands like Google and Apple use AI to refine images.
Final Thoughts
Smartphone cameras keep improving every year. Huawei, Google, and Apple lead the market. However, other brands like Samsung, Oppo, and Honor are close behind. Whether you’re a pro photographer or a casual user, these phones will deliver top-quality photos in 2025.
